Venomous Snake Discovered in Banana Shipment at New Hampshire Grocery

An ornate cat-eyed snake, native to Ecuador, was safely rehomed after being found in a Market Basket store in Manchester.

The snake, identified as an ornate cat-eyed snake, is a mildly venomous species native to Ecuador, known for its nocturnal habits.
It was discovered by an employee in a shipment of bananas at a Market Basket grocery store in Manchester, New Hampshire, over the weekend.
New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers safely retrieved the snake and transferred it to Rainforest Reptile Shows, a Massachusetts-based rescue organization.
The snake is unharmed and currently housed in a temporary habitat while plans are made for its long-term care, possibly as an educational ambassador or at an accredited zoo.
Possession of venomous snakes is illegal in New Hampshire, making this incident a rare and first-time call for local conservation officers.